EP0767554A2 - Receiver with Radio Data System with a supplementary receiver - Google Patents

Receiver with Radio Data System with a supplementary receiver Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0767554A2
EP0767554A2 EP96114293A EP96114293A EP0767554A2 EP 0767554 A2 EP0767554 A2 EP 0767554A2 EP 96114293 A EP96114293 A EP 96114293A EP 96114293 A EP96114293 A EP 96114293A EP 0767554 A2 EP0767554 A2 EP 0767554A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unit
frequency
receiving units
signal
receiving
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP96114293A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0767554A3 (en
EP0767554B1 (en
Inventor
Karl Anton Becker
Joachim Bischoff
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Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
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Becker GmbH
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Publication of EP0767554A3 publication Critical patent/EP0767554A3/en
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Publication of EP0767554B1 publication Critical patent/EP0767554B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/20—Arrangements for broadcast or distribution of identical information via plural systems
    • H04H20/22—Arrangements for broadcast of identical information via plural broadcast systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/02—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas
    • H04B7/04—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
    • H04B7/08—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station
    • H04B7/0802—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station using antenna selection
    • H04B7/0817—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station using antenna selection with multiple receivers and antenna path selection
    • H04B7/082—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station using antenna selection with multiple receivers and antenna path selection selecting best antenna path
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/10—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the type of broadcast system
    • H04H2201/13—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the type of broadcast system radio data system/radio broadcast data system [RDS/RBDS]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
    • H04H2201/60—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised in that the receiver comprises more than one tuner

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a radio receiver and a method for operating a radio receiver for mobile use, in particular a radio data system (RDS) receiver with at least one receiving unit and a playback unit and with at least two antennas.
  • RDS radio data system
  • Such radio receivers are operated so that the one with the best reception quality is used from the antenna signals.
  • the selection of the best of various available antenna signals in radio receivers is referred to as antenna diversity.
  • Such systems have become particularly important for radio receivers which are used in motor vehicles, since the orientation of the antenna here depends on the direction of travel of the vehicle. To improve the reception quality, several antennas are therefore arranged in different directions in the vehicle.
  • Various radio receivers with antenna diversity are already known.
  • two receiving units each assigned to an antenna are tuned in parallel by means of a control unit, and the one with the better reception quality is selected for further processing and reproduction from the two intermediate frequency (IF) signals obtained for further processing and reproduction.
  • IF intermediate frequency
  • a so-called autobest process can then be carried out here, in which an alternative frequency is sought, the reception quality of which is determined and, if the reception quality is better than that of the previously set frequency, the system switches over to the new frequency.
  • the playback of the radio receiver must be muted so that the listening quality is not impaired. If the autobest process takes too long, there are gaps in the playback or the autobest process must be canceled.
  • radio receivers with several receiving units are known, in which different alternative frequencies of a program are set in the individual receiving units and the signal of the receiving unit which has the best reception quality is reproduced. With this system it is not possible to choose between different antennas.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for operating a radio receiver of the type mentioned at the outset and a radio receiver itself which enable a more varied use and thus a further improvement in the reception quality.
  • each antenna is assigned a separate receiving unit with an intermediate frequency unit and FM demodulator, that at least at least some of the receiving units are set to the same frequency, and that the low frequency (NF ) Signals that signal with the best reception quality is used for the reproduction.
  • NF low frequency
  • the receiving units can be set, at least in part, at least temporarily to different frequencies of the same program.
  • Frequency diversity operation is implemented by selecting the best LF signal of these receiving units. In the rest of the time, the receiving units are set to the same frequency. In this way, antenna diversity or frequency diversity operation can be set in the radio receiver according to the invention with two receiving units.
  • the signal selection takes place between different LF signals and not, as in the known radio receivers, between different IF signals.
  • the method can be advantageously linked to other reception-improving measures.
  • the method according to the invention thus enables the operation of a radio receiver with antenna diversity, which in a clever manner additionally allows an autobest process to be carried out.
  • an autobest test when an autobest test is carried out, the switching through of the LF signal of this receiving unit is blocked until this receiving unit is set to a desired alternative frequency and its reception quality is measured and evaluated. During this time, the signal used for the reproduction is selected from the other available LF signals. In this way, the autobest test procedure can be carried out without muting the playback unit, so that the measures necessary for this can be omitted and the hearing quality is not impaired.
  • the radio receiver has only two receiving units, then when carrying out an autobest test, one receiving unit, namely the one with the better reception quality, is switched through to the playback unit, while the other receiving unit is set to the alternative frequency to be checked.
  • the quality of the receiving units set to a frequency is always determined, and when the receiving qualities decrease, in particular the receiving quality of the best receiving unit, the scope of the autobest test procedures is increased.
  • the frequency as well as the depth or duration of the testing of the other alternative frequencies can be increased. If you switch to the better frequency as part of the autobest test process, the receiving system will then return to the basic state in which all receiving units work on this better frequency. This always ensures that, especially in the case of more complicated reception-critical conditions, such as close perpetrators with many changes in direction, a switch is made in time to the best frequency and at this frequency to the best receiving unit.
  • two or more receiving units are at least temporarily set to different frequencies of the same program, while at least one further receiving unit is set at this time to a frequency that is the same as the different frequencies.
  • the one with the best reception quality is then selected from all available LF signals.
  • the listening quality can be improved even further by this expanded possibility of variation in the reception concept of the radio receiver.
  • Switching from antenna diversity to frequency diversity or to a mixture of both takes place preferably if at least the receiving unit with the best reception quality has a predetermined minimum quality. This prevents a deterioration in the hearing quality from occurring when the reception situation is poor overall, as is the case, for example, when driving in a tunnel.
  • the LF signal to be switched to is adapted to the previously reproduced LF signal of the other receiving unit by an adjustment circuit in its level, in its phase position or in its relative transit time position.
  • This adapter circuit is preferably located in the switching unit, since all LF signals are spatially combined here.
  • the adjustment not only ensures that the best LF signal is selected and forwarded to the playback unit, but also that the safe and interference-free, ie crack-free switching between the individual LF signals is achieved. This ensures a pleasant sense of hearing of the user regardless of the individual switching processes.
  • By using such an adjustment circuit it is now possible to increase the frequency of the switching processes without having to accept the negative switching effects that are otherwise associated therewith and the consequent deterioration in the sense of hearing.
  • the antennas and the receiver units assigned to them have been found to be particularly advantageous and are arranged distributed over the motor vehicle and are connected to the display unit via a bus system, in particular on an optical basis. This prevents the interference caused by the transmission of the demodulated signal (s), such as interference from other electromagnetic signals or the like, and noticeably improves the listening pleasure of the user, ie the driver or the front passenger.
  • the selection of the best low frequency (LF) signal can be done centrally by the playback unit which compares all the low frequency (LF) signals it receives and selects the best for playback.
  • the individual antennas with assigned receiving units receive the low-frequency (NF) signals themselves and / or signals about the quality of the low-frequency (NF) signals of the other antennas with assigned receiving units and, accordingly, these third-party signals or forward your own to the playback unit.
  • This decentralized structure is particularly advantageous if the individual antennas with associated receiving units are connected to one another and to the playback unit via a ring line and exchange their signals via this.
  • the radio receiver shown has two receiving units shown as blocks 1 and 2, each of which comprises an intermediate frequency unit 3 and 4 and an LF demodulator 5 and 6, respectively.
  • the two receiving units 1 and 2 are each assigned to a radio reception antenna 7 and 8, respectively.
  • the signals received by the two receiving units 1 and 2 via the respectively assigned antennas 7 and 8 are converted to an intermediate frequency by the intermediate frequency unit 3 and 4 and then demodulated by the FM demodulators 5 and 6, respectively.
  • the LF signals emitted by the FM demodulators 5 and 6, which are usually stereo multiplex signals, are fed to a switching unit 9 in which there is a switch 10 which selects between the two signals.
  • the signal selected via the switch 10 is then forwarded by the switching unit 9 to a playback unit 11.
  • Means 12, 13 are present in the switching unit 9 in order to carry out a quality comparison of the reception quality of the signal received by the reception units 1 and 2. For this purpose, a signal representing the reception quality of the received signal is transmitted from the receiving units 1 and 2 to the switching unit 9.
  • control unit 14 by means of which the setting of the two receiving units 1 and 2 to a desired receiving frequency can be carried out.
  • the switch 10 can be blocked in the switching unit 9 via the control unit.
  • a desired common reception frequency is set in the two reception units 1 and 2 via the control unit 14.
  • the signals received in each case are checked in terms of their reception quality in the two receiving units 1 and 2, and a corresponding quality signal is sent from the two receiving units 1 and 2 to the switching unit 9.
  • the switch 10 is set by the switching unit 9 in such a way that the low-frequency signal supplied by the receiving unit 1 or 2 is passed on to the subsequent reproduction unit 11 with the better reception quality.
  • the switch 10 in the switching unit 9 is blocked by the control unit 14.
  • the LF signal of the receiving unit 1 or 2 which is better received at this time, is now continuously routed to the playback unit 11.
  • the respective other receiving unit 1 or 2 is set to a desired alternative frequency via the control unit 14 and its reception quality is checked and evaluated. If the reception quality is better than that of the reception unit 1 or 2 switched through to the reproduction unit 11, the system switches over to the reception unit with the best alternative frequency. It is then possible to switch back to antenna diversity by switching the other unit to the better alternative frequency and subsequently selecting the best reception unit at this frequency and then switching it through to the playback unit.
  • radio receivers can be operated with more than two receiving units.
  • frequency diversity can also be optionally operated, in that the receiving units 1 and 2 are temporarily set to different frequencies via the control unit 14 and in turn the signal with the better reception quality is sent to the reproduction unit 11.
  • some of the receiving units for antenna diversity and some for frequency diversity can be used at the same time. This can only happen temporarily.

Abstract

Each antenna (7, 8) has its own associated receiving unit (1, 2), its own intermediate frequency unit (3, 4) and its own FM demodulator (5, 6). The LF signals from the demodulators, usually stereo multiplex signals, go to a switching unit (9) which has a switch (10) for selecting one of the two groups of signals to be sent to the reproduction unit (11). The switching unit has devices (12, 13) to make a comparison of the quality of the signals received from the two units (1, 2).

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Rundfunkempfänger und ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Rundfunkempfängers für den mobilen Einsatz, insbesondere eines Radiodatensystem(RDS)-Empfängers mit mindestens einer Empfangseinheit und einer Wiedergabeeinheit und mit mindestens zwei Antennen.The present invention relates to a radio receiver and a method for operating a radio receiver for mobile use, in particular a radio data system (RDS) receiver with at least one receiving unit and a playback unit and with at least two antennas.

Derartige Rundfunkempfänger werden so betrieben, daß aus den Antennensignalen jeweils dasjenige mit der besten Empfangsqualität verwendet wird. Die Auswahl des besten von verschiedenen vorliegenden Antennensignalen bei Rundfunkempfängern wird als Antennendiversity bezeichnet. Bedeutung erlangt haben solche Systeme insbesondere bei Rundfunkempfängern, die in Kraftfahrzeugen eingesetzt werden, da hier die Ausrichtung der Antenne von der Fahrtrichtung des Fahrzeugs abhängt. Zur Verbesserung der Empfangsqualität werden daher mehrere Antennen in unterschiedlicher Ausrichtung im Fahrzeug verteilt angeordnet.Such radio receivers are operated so that the one with the best reception quality is used from the antenna signals. The selection of the best of various available antenna signals in radio receivers is referred to as antenna diversity. Such systems have become particularly important for radio receivers which are used in motor vehicles, since the orientation of the antenna here depends on the direction of travel of the vehicle. To improve the reception quality, several antennas are therefore arranged in different directions in the vehicle.

Es sind bereits verschiedene Rundfunkempfänger mit Antennendiversity bekannt. Bei einem bekannten Empfänger werden zwei jeweils einer Antenne zugeordnete Empfangseinheiten mittels einer Steuereinheit parallel abgestimmt und aus den beiden erhaltenen Zwischenfrequenz(ZF)-Signalen dasjenige für die weitere Verarbeitung und Wiedergabe ausgewählt, das die bessere Empfangsqualität aufweist.Various radio receivers with antenna diversity are already known. In a known receiver, two receiving units each assigned to an antenna are tuned in parallel by means of a control unit, and the one with the better reception quality is selected for further processing and reproduction from the two intermediate frequency (IF) signals obtained for further processing and reproduction.

Ein Nachteil tritt bei diesem bekannten System auf, wenn alle Antennen eine schlechte Empfangsqualität bei der eingestellten Frequenz liefern. Zwar kann hier dann ein sogenannter Autobest-Vorgang durchgeführt werden, bei welchem eine Alternativfrequenz aufgesucht, deren Empfangsqualität ermittelt und bei Vorliegen einer besseren Empfangsqualität als die der zuvor eingestellten Frequenz auf die neue Frequenz umgeschaltet wird. Zur Prüfung von Alternativfrequenzen muß hier jedoch die Wiedergabe des Rundfunkempfängers stumm geschaltet werden, damit die Hörqualität nicht beeinträchtigt wird. Dauert der Autobest-Vorgang zu lange, so treten Lücken in der Wiedergabe auf, oder der Autobest-Vorgang muß abgebrochen werden.A disadvantage occurs with this known system if all antennas deliver poor reception quality at the set frequency. A so-called autobest process can then be carried out here, in which an alternative frequency is sought, the reception quality of which is determined and, if the reception quality is better than that of the previously set frequency, the system switches over to the new frequency. To test alternative frequencies, the playback of the radio receiver must be muted so that the listening quality is not impaired. If the autobest process takes too long, there are gaps in the playback or the autobest process must be canceled.

Andererseits sind Rundfunkempfänger mit mehreren Empfangseinheiten bekannt, bei denen in den einzelnen Empfangseinheiten verschiedene Alternativfrequenzen eines Programms eingestellt und das Signal derjenigen Empfangseinheit wiedergegeben wird, das die beste Empfangsqualität aufweist. Mit diesem System ist es aber nicht möglich, zwischen verschiedenen Antennen zu wählen.On the other hand, radio receivers with several receiving units are known, in which different alternative frequencies of a program are set in the individual receiving units and the signal of the receiving unit which has the best reception quality is reproduced. With this system it is not possible to choose between different antennas.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Rundfunkempfängers der eingangs genannten Art und einen Rundfunkempfänger selbst anzugeben, welche einen vielfältigeren Einsatz und damit eine weitere Verbesserung der Empfangsqualität ermöglichen.The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for operating a radio receiver of the type mentioned at the outset and a radio receiver itself which enable a more varied use and thus a further improvement in the reception quality.

Diese Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, daß jeder Antenne eine separate Empfangseinheit mit Zwischenfrequenzeinheit und FM-Demodulator zugeordnet wird, daß mindestens zeitweise wenigstens ein Teil der Empfangseinheiten auf dieselbe Frequenz eingestellt wird, und daß aus den von den FM-Demodulatoren zur Verfügung gestellten Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signalen jeweils dasjenige Signal mit der besten Empfangsqualität für die Wiedergabe verwendet wird.This object is achieved in that each antenna is assigned a separate receiving unit with an intermediate frequency unit and FM demodulator, that at least at least some of the receiving units are set to the same frequency, and that the low frequency (NF ) Signals that signal with the best reception quality is used for the reproduction.

Gemäß der Erfindung sind die Empfangseinheiten zumindest zum Teil wenigstens zeitweise auf verschiedene Frequenzen desselben Programms eingestellbar. Durch Auswahl des jeweils besten NF-Signals dieser Empfangseinheiten wird ein Frequenzdiversity-Betrieb realisiert. In der übrigen Zeit werden die Empfangseinheiten auf dieselbe Frequenz eingestellt. Damit kann bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Rundfunkempfänger mit zwei Empfangseinheiten wahlweise Antennendiversity- oder Frequenzdiversity-Betrieb eingestellt sein.According to the invention, the receiving units can be set, at least in part, at least temporarily to different frequencies of the same program. Frequency diversity operation is implemented by selecting the best LF signal of these receiving units. In the rest of the time, the receiving units are set to the same frequency. In this way, antenna diversity or frequency diversity operation can be set in the radio receiver according to the invention with two receiving units.

Erfindungsgemäß findet die Signalauswahl zwischen verschiedenen NF-Signalen und nicht, wie bei den bekannten Rundfunkempfängern, zwischen verschiedenen ZF-Signalen statt. Dadurch kann das Verfahren auf vorteilhafte Weise mit anderen empfangsverbessernden Maßnahmen verknüpft werden.According to the invention, the signal selection takes place between different LF signals and not, as in the known radio receivers, between different IF signals. As a result, the method can be advantageously linked to other reception-improving measures.

So wird durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren der Betrieb eines Rundfunkempfängers mit Antennendiversity ermöglicht, welcher in geschickter Weise zusätzlich die Durchführung eines Autobest-Vorgangs erlaubt. Hierzu wird nach einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung bei der Durchführung eines Autobest-Prüfvorganges das Durchschalten des NF-Signals dieser Empfangseinheit blockiert bis diese Empfangseinheit auf eine gewünschte Alternativfrequenz eingestellt und deren Empfangsqualität gemessen und bewertet ist. In dieser Zeit wird das für die Wiedergabe verwendete Signal aus den übrigen vorliegenden NF-Signalen ausgewählt. Der Autobest-Prüfvorgang kann auf diese Weise ohne Stummschalten der Wiedergabeeinheit durchgeführt werden, so daß die hierzu notwendigen Maßnahmen entfallen können und dennoch die Hörqualität nicht beeinträchtigt wird.The method according to the invention thus enables the operation of a radio receiver with antenna diversity, which in a clever manner additionally allows an autobest process to be carried out. For this purpose, according to an embodiment of the invention, when an autobest test is carried out, the switching through of the LF signal of this receiving unit is blocked until this receiving unit is set to a desired alternative frequency and its reception quality is measured and evaluated. During this time, the signal used for the reproduction is selected from the other available LF signals. In this way, the autobest test procedure can be carried out without muting the playback unit, so that the measures necessary for this can be omitted and the hearing quality is not impaired.

Weist der Rundfunkempfänger nur zwei Empfangseinheiten auf, so wird bei der Durchführung eines Autobest-Prüfvorganges eine Empfangseinheit, und zwar diejenige, welche die bessere Empfangsqualität aufweist, auf die Wiedergabeeinheit durchgeschaltet, während die andere Empfangseinheit auf die zu prüfende Alternativfrequenz eingestellt wird.If the radio receiver has only two receiving units, then when carrying out an autobest test, one receiving unit, namely the one with the better reception quality, is switched through to the playback unit, while the other receiving unit is set to the alternative frequency to be checked.

Nach einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung wird stets die Qualität der auf eine Frequenz eingestellten Empfangseinheiten bestimmt und beim Absinken der Empfangsqualitäten, insbesondere die Empfangsqualität der qualitativ besten Empfangseinheit, wird der Umfang der Autobest-Prüfvorgänge erhöht. Dabei kann sowohl die Häufigkeit als auch die Tiefe oder Dauer der Prüfung der anderen alternativen Frequenzen gesteigert werden. Wird im Rahmen des Autobest-Prüfvorgangs auf die bessere Frequenz umgeschaltet, so wird das Empfangssystem anschließend wieder in den Grundzustand übergehen, in dem alle Empfangseinheiten auf dieser einen besseren Frequenz arbeiten. Dadurch ist stets sichergestellt, daß gerade bei komplizierteren empfangskritschen Bedingungen, wie enge Täter mit vielen Richtungsänderungen, rechtzeitig auf die jeweils beste Frequenz und auf dieser Frequenz auf die beste Empfangseinheit umgeschaltet wird.According to a preferred development of the invention, the quality of the receiving units set to a frequency is always determined, and when the receiving qualities decrease, in particular the receiving quality of the best receiving unit, the scope of the autobest test procedures is increased. The frequency as well as the depth or duration of the testing of the other alternative frequencies can be increased. If you switch to the better frequency as part of the autobest test process, the receiving system will then return to the basic state in which all receiving units work on this better frequency. This always ensures that, especially in the case of more complicated reception-critical conditions, such as close perpetrators with many changes in direction, a switch is made in time to the best frequency and at this frequency to the best receiving unit.

Bei Rundfunkempfängern mit mehr als zwei Empfangseinheiten braucht für die Durchführung eines Autobest-Prüfvorganges nur eine Empfangseinheit benutzt werden. Aus den NF-Signalen der übrigen Empfangseinheiten wird dann wieder dasjenige mit der jeweils besten Empfangsqualität ausgewählt werden. Es liegt also weiterhin Antennendiversity vor, obwohl ein Autobest-Prüfvorgang durchgeführt wird. Die Durchführung von Autobest-Prüfvorgängen kann somit auch bei insgesamt schlechterer Empfangssituation erfolgen, ohne daß aufwendige Maßnahmen erforderlich sind und ohne daß eine Beeinträchtigung der Hörqualität zu befürchten ist.In the case of radio receivers with more than two receiving units, only one receiving unit needs to be used to carry out an autobest test procedure. From the LF signals of the other receiving units, the one with the best reception quality will then be selected again. So there is still antenna diversity, even though an autobest test is being carried out. Autobest test procedures can thus be carried out even in the overall poor reception situation, without the need for complex measures and without fear of impairing the hearing quality.

Bei Rundfunkempfangssystemen mit mehr als zwei Empfangseinheiten kann darüber hinaus neben reinem Antennendiversity- und reinem Frequenzdiversity-Betrieb auch eine Kombination aus beiden eingestellt sein.In the case of radio reception systems with more than two receiving units, a combination of both can also be set in addition to pure antenna diversity and pure frequency diversity operation.

Dies bedeutet, zwei oder mehr Empfangseinheiten sind wenigstens zeitweise auf die gleiche Frequenz eingestellt, während mindestens eine weitere Empfangseinheit zu dieser Zeit auf eine andere Frequenz desselben Programms eingestellt ist. Es ist damit eine zeitgleiche Kombination aus mehrfachem Antennendiverstity- mit mindestens einer Empfangseinheit im zusätzlichen Frequenzdiversity-Betrieb gegeben. Bei dieser gewählten Ausbildung der Erfindung ist ein Schwerpunkt auf das Antennendiversity-Konzept gelegt und wird in den Fällen durch die Steuerung des Rundfunkempfängers realisiert, wenn die von dem Antennendiversity- Betrieb zu erwartenden Vorteile einen besseren Empfang versprechen als andere Empfangskonzepte und diese erreicht werden sollen.This means that two or more receiving units are at least temporarily set to the same frequency, while at least one further receiving unit is set to a different frequency of the same program at this time. There is thus a simultaneous combination of multiple antenna diversity with at least one receiving unit in the additional frequency diversity mode. In this selected embodiment of the invention, a focus is placed on the antenna diversity concept and is implemented in the cases by controlling the radio receiver when the advantages to be expected from antenna diversity operation promise better reception than other reception concepts and these are to be achieved.

Dies kann aber auch bedeuten, daß zwei oder mehr Empfangseinheiten wenigstens zeitweise auf eine unterschiedliche Frequenzen desselben Programms eingestellt sind, während mindestens eine weitere Empfangseinheit zu dieser Zeit auf eine zu den unterschiedlichen Frequenzen gleiche Frequenz eingestellt ist. Es ist damit eine zeitgleiche Kombination aus mehrfachem Frequenzdiversity- mit mindestens einer Empfangseinheit im zusätzlichen Antennendiverstity-Betrieb gegeben. Bei dieser gewählten Ausbildung der Erfindung ist ein Schwerpunkt auf das Frequenzdiversity-Konzept gelegt und wird in den Fällen durch die Steuerung des Rundfunkempfängers realisiert, wenn die von dem Frequenzdiversity- Betrieb zu erwartenden Vorteile einen besseren Empfang versprechen als andere Empfangskonzepte und diese erreicht werden sollen.However, this can also mean that two or more receiving units are at least temporarily set to different frequencies of the same program, while at least one further receiving unit is set at this time to a frequency that is the same as the different frequencies. There is thus a simultaneous combination of multiple frequency diversity with at least one receiving unit in the additional antenna diversity mode. In this selected embodiment of the invention, a focus is placed on the frequency diversity concept and is implemented by controlling the radio receiver when the advantages to be expected from frequency diversity operation promise better reception than other reception concepts and these are to be achieved.

Bei beiden zeitgleichen Kombinationen aus Antennendiversity- und Frequenzdiversity-Betrieb wird aus allen vorliegenden NF-Signalen dann dasjenige mit der besten Empfangsqualität ausgesucht. Durch diese erweiterte Variationsmöglichkeit der Empfangskonzepeption des Rundfunkempfängers kann die Hörqualität noch weiter verbessert werden.With both simultaneous combinations of antenna diversity and frequency diversity operation, the one with the best reception quality is then selected from all available LF signals. The listening quality can be improved even further by this expanded possibility of variation in the reception concept of the radio receiver.

Das Umschalten von Antennendiversity auf Frequenzdiversity oder auf eine Mischung von beiden erfolgt bevorzugt dann, wenn zumindest die Empfangseinheit mit der besten Empfangsqualität eine vorbestimmte Mindestqualität aufweist. Hierdurch wird verhindert, daß bei insgesamt schlechter Empfangssituation, wie sie beispielsweise bei Tunnelfahrt vorliegt, ein Einbruch in der Hörqualität auftritt.Switching from antenna diversity to frequency diversity or to a mixture of both takes place preferably if at least the receiving unit with the best reception quality has a predetermined minimum quality. This prevents a deterioration in the hearing quality from occurring when the reception situation is poor overall, as is the case, for example, when driving in a tunnel.

Nach einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird das NF-Signal, auf das umgeschaltet werden soll, durch eine Anpaßschaltung in seinem Pegel, in seiner Phasenlage oder in seiner relativen Laufzeitlage dem bisher wiedergegeben NF-Signal der anderen Empfangseinheit angepaßt. Wobei sich diese Anpaßschaltung vorzugsweise in der Schalteinheit befindet, da hier alle NF-Signal räumlich zusammengeführt sind. Durch das Anpassen ist nicht nur sichergestellt, daß das jeweils beste NF-Signal ausgewählt und an die Wiedergabeeinheit weitergeleitet wird, sondern daß auch das sichere und störungsfreie also knackfreie Umschalten zwischen den einzelnen NF-Signalen erreicht wird. Dadurch wird ein angenehmes Höhrempfinden des Benutzers unabhängig von den einzelnen Umschaltvorgängen gewährleistet. Durch die Verwendung einer derartigen Anpaßschaltung wird es jetzt möglich, die Häufigkeit der Umschaltvorgänge zu erhöhen, ohne die ansonsten damit verbundenen negativen Umschalteffekten und die daraus folgenden Höhrempfindenverschlechterungen in Kauf nehmen zu müssen.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the LF signal to be switched to is adapted to the previously reproduced LF signal of the other receiving unit by an adjustment circuit in its level, in its phase position or in its relative transit time position. This adapter circuit is preferably located in the switching unit, since all LF signals are spatially combined here. The adjustment not only ensures that the best LF signal is selected and forwarded to the playback unit, but also that the safe and interference-free, ie crack-free switching between the individual LF signals is achieved. This ensures a pleasant sense of hearing of the user regardless of the individual switching processes. By using such an adjustment circuit, it is now possible to increase the frequency of the switching processes without having to accept the negative switching effects that are otherwise associated therewith and the consequent deterioration in the sense of hearing.

Als besonders vorteilhaft hat sich erwiesen die Antennen und die diesen zugeordneten Empfangseinheiten über das Kraftfahrzeug verteilt angeordnet sind und über ein Bussystem insbesondere auf optischer Basis mit der Wiedergabeeinheit verbunden sind. Dadurch lassen sich die Störungen, welche durch die Übertragung des oder der demodulierten Signale hervorgerufen werden wie Störeinstrahlung durch andere elektromagnetische Signale oder ähnliches, verhindern und dadurch der Hörgenuß des Benutzers also des Fahrers oder des Beifahrers merklich verbessern. Dabei kann die Selektion des besten Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signals zentral durch die Wiedergabeeinheit erfolgen, welche alle ihr zugeführten Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signale vergleicht und das beste zur Wiedergabe auswählt. Es kann aber auch dezentral erfolgen, indem die einzelnen Antennen mit zugeordneten Empfangseinheiten die Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signale selbst und/oder Signale über die Qualität der Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signale der anderen Antennen mit zugeordneten Empfangseinheiten erhalten und dementsprechend diese fremden Signale oder die eigenen an die Wiedergabeeinheit weiterleiten. Diese dezentrale Struktur ist besonders Vorteilhaft, wenn die einzelnen Antennen mit zugeordneten Empfangseinheiten untereinander und mit der Wiedergabeeinheit über eine Ringleitung miteinander verbunden sind und über diese ihre Signale austauschen.The antennas and the receiver units assigned to them have been found to be particularly advantageous and are arranged distributed over the motor vehicle and are connected to the display unit via a bus system, in particular on an optical basis. This prevents the interference caused by the transmission of the demodulated signal (s), such as interference from other electromagnetic signals or the like, and noticeably improves the listening pleasure of the user, ie the driver or the front passenger. The selection of the best low frequency (LF) signal can be done centrally by the playback unit which compares all the low frequency (LF) signals it receives and selects the best for playback. However, it can also be done decentrally, in that the individual antennas with assigned receiving units receive the low-frequency (NF) signals themselves and / or signals about the quality of the low-frequency (NF) signals of the other antennas with assigned receiving units and, accordingly, these third-party signals or forward your own to the playback unit. This decentralized structure is particularly advantageous if the individual antennas with associated receiving units are connected to one another and to the playback unit via a ring line and exchange their signals via this.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird nachfolgend beschrieben. Die einzige Figur zeigt das Schaltprinzip eines beispielhaften, erfindungsgemäßen Rundfunkempfängers.An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is described below. The single figure shows the switching principle of an exemplary radio receiver according to the invention.

Der dargestellte Rundfunkempfänger weist zwei als Block 1 bzw. 2 dargestellte Empfangseinheiten auf, die jeweils eine Zwischenfrequenzeinheit 3 bzw. 4 und einen NF-Demodulator 5 bzw. 6 umfassen. Die beiden Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 sind jeweils einer Rundfunkempfangsantenne 7 bzw. 8 zugeordnet.The radio receiver shown has two receiving units shown as blocks 1 and 2, each of which comprises an intermediate frequency unit 3 and 4 and an LF demodulator 5 and 6, respectively. The two receiving units 1 and 2 are each assigned to a radio reception antenna 7 and 8, respectively.

Die von den beiden Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 über die jeweils zugeordneten Antenne 7 bzw. 8 empfangenen Signale werden von der Zwischenfrequenzeinheit 3 bzw. 4 auf eine Zwischenfrequenz umgewandelt und anschließend von den FM-Demodulatoren 5 bzw. 6 demoduliert. Die von den FM-Demodulatoren 5 und 6 abgegebenen NF-Signale, bei denen es sich üblicherweise jeweils um Stereo-Multiplex-Signale handelt, werden einer Schalteinheit 9 zugeführt, in welcher ein Schalter 10 vorhanden ist, der zwischen den beiden Signalen auswählt. Das über den Schalter 10 ausgewählte Signal wird dann von der Schalteinheit 9 an eine Wiedergabeeinheit 11 weitergeleitet.The signals received by the two receiving units 1 and 2 via the respectively assigned antennas 7 and 8 are converted to an intermediate frequency by the intermediate frequency unit 3 and 4 and then demodulated by the FM demodulators 5 and 6, respectively. The LF signals emitted by the FM demodulators 5 and 6, which are usually stereo multiplex signals, are fed to a switching unit 9 in which there is a switch 10 which selects between the two signals. The signal selected via the switch 10 is then forwarded by the switching unit 9 to a playback unit 11.

In der Schalteinheit 9 sind Mittel 12, 13 vorhanden, um einen Qualitätsvergleich der Empfangsqualität des von den Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 empfangenen Signals durchzuführen. Hierzu wird von den Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 an die Schalteinheit 9 jeweils ein die Empfangsqualität des empfangenen Signals darstellendes Signal übertragen.Means 12, 13 are present in the switching unit 9 in order to carry out a quality comparison of the reception quality of the signal received by the reception units 1 and 2. For this purpose, a signal representing the reception quality of the received signal is transmitted from the receiving units 1 and 2 to the switching unit 9.

Schließlich ist eine Steuereinheit 14 vorhanden, über welche die Einstellung der beiden Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 auf eine gewünschte Empfangsfrequenz ausgeführt werden kann. Darüber hinaus kann über die Steuereinheit der Schalter 10 in der Schalteinheit 9 blockiert werden.Finally, there is a control unit 14, by means of which the setting of the two receiving units 1 and 2 to a desired receiving frequency can be carried out. In addition, the switch 10 can be blocked in the switching unit 9 via the control unit.

Zur Durchführung des Antennendiversity-Betriebes wird über die Steuereinheit 14 in den beiden Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 eine gewünschte gemeinsame Empfangsfrequenz eingestellt. Die jeweils empfangenen Signale werden in den beiden Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 jeweils hinsichtlich ihrer Empfangsqualität überprüft, und ein entsprechendes Qualitätssignal von den beiden Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 an die Schalteinheit 9 gegeben. Von der Schalteinheit 9 wird der Schalter 10 so gelegt, daß das von der Empfangseinheit 1 bzw. 2 gelieferte niederfrequente Signal mit der besseren Empfangsqualität an die nachfolgende Wiedergabeeinheit 11 weitergeleitet wird.To carry out antenna diversity operation, a desired common reception frequency is set in the two reception units 1 and 2 via the control unit 14. The signals received in each case are checked in terms of their reception quality in the two receiving units 1 and 2, and a corresponding quality signal is sent from the two receiving units 1 and 2 to the switching unit 9. The switch 10 is set by the switching unit 9 in such a way that the low-frequency signal supplied by the receiving unit 1 or 2 is passed on to the subsequent reproduction unit 11 with the better reception quality.

Zur Durchführung eines Autobest-Prüfvorgangs wird über die Steuereinheit 14 der Schalter 10 in der Schalteinheit 9 blockiert. Das NF-Signal der zu dieser Zeit besser empfangenden Empfangseinheit 1 oder 2 wird nun also dauernd an die Wiedergabeeinheit 11 geleitet. Die jeweils andere Empfangseinheit 1 oder 2 wird über die Steuereinheit 14 auf eine gewünschte Alternativfrequenz eingestellt und deren Empfangsqualität wird überprüft und bewertet. Liegt eine bessere Empfangsqualität vor als bei der auf die Wiedergabeeinheit 11 durchgeschalteten Empfangseinheit 1 oder 2, so wird auf die Empfangseinheit mit der besten Alternativfrequenz umgeschaltet. Anschließend kann wieder auf Antennendiversity umgeschaltet werden, indem die andere Einheit auf die bessere Alternativfrequenz umgeschaltet und im folgenden die beste Empfangseinheit auf dieser Frequenz ausgewählt und dann diese auf die Wiedergabeeinheit durchgeschaltet wird.To carry out an autobest test process, the switch 10 in the switching unit 9 is blocked by the control unit 14. The LF signal of the receiving unit 1 or 2, which is better received at this time, is now continuously routed to the playback unit 11. The respective other receiving unit 1 or 2 is set to a desired alternative frequency via the control unit 14 and its reception quality is checked and evaluated. If the reception quality is better than that of the reception unit 1 or 2 switched through to the reproduction unit 11, the system switches over to the reception unit with the best alternative frequency. It is then possible to switch back to antenna diversity by switching the other unit to the better alternative frequency and subsequently selecting the best reception unit at this frequency and then switching it through to the playback unit.

Auf diese Weise ist es möglich, ohne Stummschalten der Wiedergabeeinheit 11 einen Autobest-Prüfvorgang durchzuführen und dadurch die Hörqualität des Empfangssystems zu verbessern.In this way it is possible to carry out an autobest test process without muting the playback unit 11 and thereby to improve the listening quality of the receiving system.

Nach demselben Prinzip können Rundfunkempfänger mit mehr als zwei Empfangseinheiten betrieben werden. Darüber hinaus kann neben Autobest gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren auch wahlweise Frequenzdiversity betrieben werden, indem die Empfangseinheiten 1 und 2 über die Steuereinheit 14 zeitweise auf verschiedene Frequenzen eingestellt und wiederum das Signal mit der besseren Empfangsqualität an die Wiedergabeeinheit 11 gegeben wird. Bei Empfängern mit mehr als zwei Empfangseinheiten kann ein Teil der Empfangseinheiten für Antennendiversity und ein Teil für Frequenzdiversity zeitgleich verwendet werden. Dies kann auch nur zeitweise geschehen.According to the same principle, radio receivers can be operated with more than two receiving units. In addition to autobest according to the method according to the invention, frequency diversity can also be optionally operated, in that the receiving units 1 and 2 are temporarily set to different frequencies via the control unit 14 and in turn the signal with the better reception quality is sent to the reproduction unit 11. In the case of receivers with more than two receiving units, some of the receiving units for antenna diversity and some for frequency diversity can be used at the same time. This can only happen temporarily.

Insgesamt ergibt sich ein Rundfunkempfänger mit erweiterten Möglichkeiten und einer deutlich verbesserten Hörqualität.Overall, this results in a radio receiver with expanded options and a significantly improved hearing quality.

Bezugszeichenliste:Reference symbol list:

11
EmpfangseinheitReceiving unit
22nd
EmpfangseinheitReceiving unit
33rd
ZF-EinheitIF unit
44th
ZF-EinheitIF unit
55
FM-DemodulatorFM demodulator
66
FM-DemodulatorFM demodulator
77
Antenneantenna
88th
Antenneantenna
99
SchalteinheitSwitching unit
1010th
Schaltercounter
1111
WiedergabeeinheitPlayback unit
1212th
QualitätsbewertungseinheitQuality assessment unit
1313
QualitätsbewertungseinheitQuality assessment unit
1414
SteuereinheitControl unit

Claims (9)

Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Rundfunkempfängers, insbesondere eines Radiodatensystem(RDS)-Empfängers, mit mindestens einer Empfangseinheit (1, 2) und einer Wiedergabeeinheit (11) und mit mindestens zwei Antennen (7, 8), wobei jeder Antenne (7, 8) eine separate Empfangseinheit (1, 2) mit Zwischehfrequenzeinheit (3, 4) und FM-Demodulator (5, 6) zugeordnet wird, und mindestens zeitweise mehrere der Empfangseinheiten (1, 2) auf dieselbe Frequenz eingestellt werden und eine oder mehrere der Empfangseinheiten (1, 2) wenigstens zeitweise auf eine oder mehrere andere Frequenzen desselben Programms eingestellt werden und aus den von den FM-Demodulatoren (5, 6) zur Verfügung gestellten Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signalen jeweils dasjenige Signal mit der besten Empfangsqualität für die Wiedergabe verwendet wird.Method for operating a radio receiver, in particular a radio data system (RDS) receiver, with at least one receiving unit (1, 2) and a reproduction unit (11) and with at least two antennas (7, 8), each antenna (7, 8) having one separate receiving unit (1, 2) with intermediate frequency unit (3, 4) and FM demodulator (5, 6) is assigned, and at least temporarily several of the receiving units (1, 2) are set to the same frequency and one or more of the receiving units (1 , 2) are at least temporarily set to one or more other frequencies of the same program and from the low frequency (NF) signals provided by the FM demodulators (5, 6) that signal with the best reception quality is used for the reproduction. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zeitgleich mehrere Empfangseinheiten auf derselben Frequenz eingestellt sind und mindestens eine andere Empfangseinheit auf eine andere Frequenz desselbens Programms eingestellt sind, wobei aus den von den den Empfangseinheiten zugeordneten FM-Demodulatoren (5, 6) zur Verfügung gestellten Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signalen dasjenige Signal mit der besten Empfangsqualität für die Wiedergabe verwendet wird.Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of receiving units are set to the same frequency at the same time and at least one other receiving unit is set to a different frequency of the same program, the FM demodulators (5, 6) provided by the receiving units being provided Low frequency (NF) signals the signal with the best reception quality is used for playback. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zeitgleich mehrere Empfangseinheit auf verschiedenen Frequenzen desselbens Programms eingestellt sind und mindestens eine andere Empfangseinheiten auf derselben Frequenz wie die vorstehenden Empfangseinheiten eingestellt ist und wobei aus den von den den Empfangseinheiten zugeordneten FM-Demodulatoren (5, 6) zur Verfügung gestellten Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signalen dasjenige Signal mit der besten Empfangsqualität für die Wiedergabe verwendet wird.Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of receiving units are set simultaneously on different frequencies of the same program and at least one other receiving unit is set on the same frequency as the above receiving units, and the FM demodulators (5, 6) assigned by the receiving units provided low frequency (NF) signals that signal with the best reception quality is used for playback. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zur Durchführung eines Autobest-Prüfvorganges das Durchschalten des NF-Signals der Empfangseinheit (1 oder 2) mit der jeweils schlechtesten Empfangsqualität zur Wiedergabeeinheit (11) blockiert, diese Empfangseinheit (1 oder 2) auf eine gewünschte Alternativfrequenz eingestellt und deren Empfangsqualität gemessen und bewertet wird, während in dieser Zeit das für die Wiedergabe verwendete Signal aus den übrigen vorliegenden NF-Signalen ausgewählt wird.Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in order to carry out an autobest test, the switching through of the LF signal of the receiving unit (1 or 2) with the worst reception quality to the reproduction unit (11) blocks this receiving unit (1 or 2) to a desired one Alternative frequency is set and its reception quality is measured and evaluated, during which time the signal used for the reproduction is selected from the remaining LF signals present. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Autobest-Prüfvorgänge mit abnehmender besten Empfangsqualität der Empfangseinheit (1 oder 2) in ihrem Umfang zunehmen.Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the extent of the autobest test processes increases as the best reception quality of the receiving unit (1 or 2) decreases. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Einstellen verschiedener Frequenzen nur erfolgt, wenn zumindest die Empfangseinheit (1 oder 2) mit der jeweils besten Empfangsqualität eine vorbestimmte Mindestempfangsqualität aufweist.Method according to claim 1, characterized in that different frequencies are only set if at least the receiving unit (1 or 2) with the best reception quality in each case has a predetermined minimum reception quality. Verfahren nach eiem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die NF-Signale der einzelnen Empfangseinheiten (1,2) einer Schalteinheit (9) zugeführt werden, in der die Selektion des besten NF-Signals unter den zugeführten NF-Signalen vorgenommen wird und dieses der Wiedergabeeinheit (11) zugeführt wird.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the LF signals of the individual receiving units (1, 2) are fed to a switching unit (9) in which the best LF signal is selected from among the LF signals supplied and this the playback unit (11) is supplied. Rundfunkempfänger zur Durchführung eines der vorstehenden Verfahren mit mehreren Empfangseinheiten (1, 2), mit einer Wiedergabeeinheit (11), mit mindestens zwei Antennen (7, 8), wobei jeder Antenne (7, 8) eine separate Empfangseinheit (1, 2) mit Zwischenfrequenzeinheit (3, 4) und FM-Demodulator (5, 6) zugeordnet ist, und mit einer Steuereinheit (14), welche eine Schalteinheit (9) und die Empfangseinheiten (1, 2) so steuert, daß mindestens zeitweise wenigstens ein Teil der Empfangseinheiten (1, 2) auf dieselbe Frequenz eingestellt sind und mindestens zeitweise wenigstens eine der Empfangseinheiten (1, 2) auf einer anderen Frequenz desselben Programms eingestellt sind und das Niederfrequenz(NF)-Signal von den FM-Demodulatoren (5, 6) mit der jeweils besten Empfangsqualität mit Hilfe der Schalteinheit (9) an die Wiedergabeeinheit (11) durchschaltbar ist.Radio receiver for carrying out one of the above methods with a plurality of receiving units (1, 2), with a playback unit (11), with at least two antennas (7, 8), each antenna (7, 8) having a separate receiving unit (1, 2) Intermediate frequency unit (3, 4) and FM demodulator (5, 6) is assigned, and with a control unit (14) which controls a switching unit (9) and the receiving units (1, 2) so that at least at least part of the Receiving units (1, 2) are set to the same frequency and at least temporarily at least one of the receiving units (1, 2) are set to a different frequency of the same program and the low frequency (NF) signal from the FM demodulators (5, 6) the best reception quality can be switched through to the playback unit (11) using the switching unit (9). Rundfunkempfänger nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Anpaßschaltung vorgesehen ist, welche eine oder mehrere der NF-Signal-Eigenschaften aus Phasenlage, Pegel oder Laufzeitlage des neu ermittelten qualitative besten NF-Signals an die Eigenschaften des bisher an die Wiedergabeeinheit (11) durchgeschalteten NF-Signals anpaßt.Radio receiver according to claim 8, characterized in that an adaptation circuit is provided which connects one or more of the NF signal properties from the phase position, level or transit time position of the newly determined qualitative best NF signal to the properties of the previously connected to the playback unit (11) LF signal adjusts.
EP96114293A 1995-09-08 1996-09-06 Receiver with Radio Data System with a supplementary receiver Expired - Lifetime EP0767554B1 (en)

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US7573961B2 (en) 2003-09-03 2009-08-11 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Virtual-antenna receiver
US7761077B2 (en) 2003-09-03 2010-07-20 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Diversity receiver
CN1846370B (en) * 2003-09-03 2012-07-18 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 Diversity receiver

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DE19533268A1 (en) 1997-03-13
ATE254818T1 (en) 2003-12-15
EP0767554A3 (en) 1998-08-26
DE59610825D1 (en) 2003-12-24
EP0767554B1 (en) 2003-11-19

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